Born in Cork, Diana grew up in a rattly house bursting with noise. She studied ceramics and sculpture in London and has continued to study and learn ever since. This ongoing curiosity is central to her practice, with everything she encounters finding its way into her work.

Diana’s work begins with memory and imagination, rooted in a somewhat feral childhood spent barefoot in fields of ferns, accompanied by faithful dogs. As she wandered, she was always aware of foxes, rabbits and other creatures watching from the shadows. That feeling of being part of a living landscape has stayed with her and continues to influence how she sees and makes.

After years abroad, Diana returned home with a desire to develop a contemporary Irish folk art — a visual language for the women of our land today, whether they were born here or have adopted this tiny island as their home.

She is interested in the nuances of who we are now, and in how we connect with the centuries of women who came before us: the women who knew the medicine of wildflowers, recognised the changing seasons through the movements of birds, and understood the value of the earth beneath their feet.

These ideas of memory, place, nature and connection are at the heart of Diana’s work, as she explores how they can be reimagined through a contemporary Irish visual language.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

There’s no typical day in my studio, except that I get there as early as I can after walking my dogs. It gets the morning sun, which I love. I begin by tidying and putting everything in its place and that creates order in my thoughts. My studio is small, so my work happens in cycles. I might be immersed in clay, lost in drawing or painting on ceramics, or teaching myself a new process and experimenting to see where it leads. I love stories, so when I’m drawing or painting I’ll have the radio on or listen to an audiobook. When I’m working with clay, I prefer the quiet.

What do you like most about your work?

The promise and hope of the process.

What do you like least about your work?

Social media and having to talk about my work. I’m not great with words and end up talking too much in an effort to be clear.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

A bowl made by one of my teachers.

Tell us about the first craft item you made

I grew up in a creative house, so I don’t remember that. We weren’t wealthy but my parents recognised beautiful things and managed to fill our house with them. Actually over fill it, but it meant I was always creating worlds that could be made up of cut out dolls, beautiful fabric, crystal glasses, cardboard mansions and whatever else I found.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Memory, imagination, folk art, stories, wildlife, strong spirits and whatever I encounter in my daily life.

I think that’s what I love most about being an artist — inspiration can appear anywhere, at any time, if you stay curious and open to it.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

The rising cost of materials and recently the new EU packaging tariffs.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Pretty much all of my work is a happy accident. Every piece is unique, so every time I open the kiln I’m hopeful that my experiment will come to fruition.

What made you choose your discipline?

It chose me. The very first time I touched clay, it grounded me and every day, it takes me back there and reminds me of the importance of being connected to the earth.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member?

I tell people about it all the time. I tell them to ignore the intimidating bits and just push on and do it. It’s one of the few organisations worth being a member of.

Favourite book?

Currently, “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans, but every book is my favourite until I find the next one.

Favourite film?

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin..it’s based on one of the islands where my husband grew up and we all love.

Best concert you have ever been to?

Concerts by Greek folk artists with my in-laws in Athens. They throw flowers and eat great food, laugh and cry. I love it.

Favourite meal?

Anything Indian or greek that’s vegetarian.

What do you listen to?

Audio books, the radio or the world passing outside my window.